Festive Family Fun at Winter Wonderland Manchester

We went down to check out what Kingpin Events, the organisers of Winter Wonderland Manchester, have brought for you all for 2016......

Winter Wonderland at Event City is one on the Christmas Calendar that my kids and I always look forward to. Something a little bit different and something that caters for all ages from tots to teens, plus it is loads of fun for grown- ups too! This event rolls so many fab family activities into Event City next to The Trafford Centre (perfect to combine with a Christmas shopping trip if you are heading out that way!). We went down to check out what Kingpin Events, the organisers of Winter Wonderland Manchester, have brought for you all for 2016, their 4th year of this festive treat……

My kids flew in through the doors in a giddy rush to find which ride they would go on first, fortunately, unlike most fun fairs, this one allows them on all the rides as many times as they want for the price of your entry ticket, so they can go crazy! We have never found huge queues for rides, sometimes you may wait a few minutes but not long, which means you can really pack in the fun and get the most out of your 4 hour session. The rides offer something for everyone from bouncy castles, fun houses, teacups, runway trains and the like for the younger children to the faster rides for the thrill seeking older kids, teens (and grown ups!) . My girls (ages 10 and 8) love the Rodeo Bulls and this year have discovered a new one, the Ice Wall, not sure I will be back on that one again, will leave that to the young ones with stronger stomachs!

On top of the rides there are plenty of the usual fairground games to play such as hook a duck (or a Dalmatian), shooting and throwing games to win some great prizes, these games aren’t free but the attendants do what they can to let the kids win something. My gang came away with some decent quality prizes.

There are also additional shows for you to enjoy when you need to take a break from whizzing around (or you want to keep the kids in one place for a moment so you can slurp a coffee). The main stage in the centre of the venue has regular short shows for the young ones including Ice Princesses, Basil Brush, Star Wars Jedi Training and a mini Cinderella Panto. There is also a big top showing a circus performance which is a great additional show at no extra cost.

As you would hope from a major Christmas event such as this there is of course a Santa’s House where you can pop in to meet the big guy and get a quality gift (additional charge for this one of course). You might find a longer queue than the other attractions as you might expect but it is worth the wait.

Need to refuel after the thrills of the rides? There is an array of stalls set as a mini Christmas market serving lovely food and drinks in the centre.

We thoroughly enjoyed the 2016 Winter Wonderland Manchester and will be first in line for tickets to go back again next year. Favourite bit ….definitely the sheer number of rides and the great value of just being able to jump on what you want at no extra cost. Least favourite bit… losing the kids as they run off in different directions as they spot a new ride they want to try! (This bit has been well considered and lost children are taken to the Guest Services Desk by one of the many attendants to wait for you).

Booking is essential to avoid disappointment as this is a popular event. For more info …click here